COURSE DESCRIPTION

The explosive growth in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) since the latter part of the 20th century presents a unique challenge to physicians and other healthcare professionals who are tasked with helping their patients make informed healthcare decisions.

Fortunately, a growing body of research is now available. Mayo Clinic, a member of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, has been actively engaged in such research and has become a leader in applying this new information to everyday practice. Researchers and clinicians from both Mayo Clinic Rochester and Mayo Clinic Arizona have collaborated to develop this course to provide learners with a general working knowledge of some of the most common CAM therapies. Practical application of evidence-based information will enable care providers to provide optimal care and guidance to all patients. Bringing the best of both conventional and complementary therapies together for the benefit of the patient is a concept increasingly described as “integrative medicine”.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This program is designed for practicing physicians who work with patients using or interested in using complementary and alternative medicine therapies. Residents, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses or other members of the health care team also may benefit from this program.